Hodgson confirms Rooney as England Captain

By Chris Linnell

Today, Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney has been selected by Roy Hodgson as captain for England’s Friday World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

His selection as skipper occurs due to the absence of Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, following his late sending off versus Ukraine. On top of this, regular vice-captain, Frank Lampard is unavailable due to injury.

Rooney, who has won 76 caps, said: “This is something I’m really proud of.”

“It’s a big challenge for myself, and I’m excited. Hopefully we can cap the day off with a good victory.”

He is aware of the importance of putting on a good performance against a side ranked joint worst in the world, at 207th, alongside Bhutan and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It is almost three years since Rooney last captained his country in a friendly against Brazil in Doha in November 2009 – a match they lost 1-0.

The 26 year old is just two goals behind fifth place in England’s all-time goal scoring list, Sir Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse and Alan Shearer currently sit above him in the charts.

In my opinion, this is another step in the right direction for Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions. Within the next few years Rooney is likely to become full time captain of the side. Any early experience can only be of benefit until this happens.